Electrical Energy Engineering

Three-Phase Circuits

Dr. Maad Alowaifeer

Sources and References of the Slides

• P. C. SEN, Principles of Electric Machines and Power Electronics, 2013.

• Stephen J. Chapman, Electrical Machinery Fundamentals, 2012.

• Zia A. Yamayee, Juan L. Bala. Jr., Electromechanical Energy Devices and Power Systems,1994.

• Prof. M. A. El-Sharkawi’s notes, University of Washington,USA.

• Dr. M. Almuhaini EE360 slides, KFUPM.

Recap from Last Lecture

• Electricity is typically generated, transmitted, distributed, and consumed

in three-phase systems.

345,000 V
69,000 V 13,200 V
13,200 V 110/
220 V
Production of Three-Phase Power
• If three coils (A, B, & C) are physically displaced by 120 degrees, and a
magnet is rotated in the middle, a three-phase voltage profile is induced.
Balanced Three-Phase Voltages
• If the rotation of the magnet is constant, balanced three-phase voltages are
induced.

Vm
𝑣𝑎 𝑡 = 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑤𝑡)

𝑣𝑏 𝑡 = 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑤𝑡 − 120)

𝑣𝑐 𝑡 = 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑤𝑡 − 240)

• The three voltages are called balanced if:

1) They have the same amplitude.
2) They have the same frequency.
3) They are shifted in-phase by 120
degrees with each other.
Balanced Three-Phase Voltages
• If the rotation of the magnet is constant, balanced three-phase voltages are
induced.

Vm
𝑣𝑎 𝑡 = 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑤𝑡)

𝑣𝑏 𝑡 = 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑤𝑡 − 120)

𝑣𝑐 𝑡 = 𝑉𝑚 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑤𝑡 − 240)

Note: The voltages are commonly

• The three voltages are called balanced if: represented using the RMS value:
1) They have the same amplitude.
2) They have the same frequency. 𝑣𝑎 𝑡 = 2𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑤𝑡)
3) They are shifted in-phase by 120 𝑣𝑏 𝑡 = 2𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑤𝑡 − 120)
degrees with each other.
𝑣𝑐 𝑡 = 2𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑤𝑡 − 240)
 Time and Phasor Domain Representation
• The three voltages can be represented in time domain or in
phasor domain:

Time Domain Phasor Domain

𝑣𝑎 𝑡 = 2𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑤𝑡) 𝑉𝑎 = 𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 ∠0°

𝑣𝑏 𝑡 = 2𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑤𝑡 − 120) 𝑉𝑏 = 𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 ∠ − 120°

𝑣𝑐 𝑡 = 2𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑠𝑖𝑛(𝑤𝑡 − 240) 𝑉𝑐 = 𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 ∠ − 240°

• Phasor domain simplifies the analysis as no trigonometric

functions are involved.
Phase Sequence
• As the name suggests, phase sequence defines the sequence of the phases
(which one peaks before the other with phase a as a reference).

𝑉𝐶 𝑉𝐵

𝑉𝐴 𝑉𝐴

𝑉𝐵 𝑉𝐶
abc sequence acb sequence
(positive sequence) (negative sequence)
Phase Sequence – An Example
• Assume that the phase voltage 𝑉𝑎 = 120 + 𝑗0 𝑉. What would be the voltages of
𝑉𝑎𝑏 , 𝑉𝑏𝑐 , and 𝑉𝑐𝑎 if the sequence is:
a) positive (abc)
b) negative (acb)
Wye and Delta Connections
• Looking back at the stator windings figure, we see two ends for each coil:

• This means that we need a total of six conductors.

• To reduce the number of conductors, the coils

are connected in Wye or Delta configurations.
Wye (Y) Connection
Let us determine the relationships between the line and phase voltages:

𝑉𝑎𝑏 = 𝑉𝑎𝑛 − 𝑉𝑏𝑛

Converting to polar form and re-arranging the terms.

𝑉𝑎𝑏 = 𝑉𝑎𝑛 × 3∠30

Wye (Y) Connection
Let us determine the relationships between the line and phase voltages:

𝑉𝑎𝑏 = 𝑉𝑎𝑛 − 𝑉𝑏𝑛

Converting to polar form and re-arranging the terms.

𝑉𝑎𝑏 = 𝑉𝑎𝑛 × 3∠30

Note: The line voltages are also balanced.

Note: In Y connection, the phase current and line current are equal.
Wye (Y) Connection – An Example
Assume that the phase voltage = 120𝑉. What would be the line voltages
assuming positive sequence?
𝑉𝑎𝑛 = 120∠0 𝑉𝑏𝑛 = 120∠ − 120 𝑉𝑐𝑛 = 120∠ − 240
Delta (Δ) Connection
Let us determine the relationships between the line and phase currents:

𝐼𝑎 = 𝐼𝑎𝑏 − 𝐼𝑐𝑎

𝐼𝑎 = 𝐼∠0 − 𝐼∠ − 240

𝐼𝑎 = 𝐼(1 − 1 ∠ − 240)

𝐼𝑎 = 𝐼( 3∠ − 30)

Therefore:

𝐼𝑎 = 𝐼𝑎𝑏 × 3∠ − 30

Note: In Δ connection, the phase voltage and line voltage are equal.
 Load Configuration
• Loads may also be connected using Y or Δ configurations:

𝑍𝑌 𝑍𝑌
𝑍Δ 𝑍Δ

𝑍𝑌 𝑍Δ

• We can make the two loads behave identically for an outside observer by setting the following:

𝑍Δ
𝑍𝑌 =
3
Balanced Three-Phase Systems
• For a 3-phase system to be balanced, the following conditions must be met:
1) All 3 sources are balanced.
2) All loads are 3-phase with equal impedance
3) Line impedance are equal in all 3 phases.

Equivalent single phase

Having a balanced system allows analyzing the 3-phase

circuits using “equivalent single phase” circuits.
Balanced Three-Phase Systems – An Example
A Y-connected 3-phase source with phase voltage magnitude of 120 V is connected to a Y-
connected balanced load. The impedance per phase in the load is 12 ∠30° Ω. Find the following:
1) The phase and line voltages at the load.
2) The phase and line currents through the load.
Balanced Three-Phase Systems – An Example
A Y-connected 3-phase source with phase voltage magnitude of 120 V is connected to a Y-
connected balanced load. The impedance per phase of the load is 12 ∠30° Ω. Find the following:
1) The phase and line voltages at the load.
2) The phase and line currents through the load.

Equivalent single phase

Balanced Three-Phase Systems – An Example
A Y-connected 3-phase source with phase voltage magnitude of 120 V is connected to a Y-
connected and Δ connected balanced loads as shown in the figure. Compute the labeled current.

Ia 𝑍𝑌 = 4 + 𝑗3 Ω 𝑍Δ = 12 − 𝑗9 Ω
a

Van = 120 v

b b c b
c c
Balanced Three-Phase Systems – An Example
A Y-connected 3-phase source with phase voltage magnitude of 120 V is connected to a Y-
connected and Δ connected balanced loads as shown in the figure. Compute the labeled current.
Ia 𝑍𝑌 = 4 + 𝑗3 Ω 𝑍Δ = 4 − 𝑗3 Ω
a

Van = 120 v

b b c b
c c
Power Calculations
Let's calculate the total power absorbed by a balanced 3-phase Y connected load.

The phase voltages across the loads are:

The phase currents through the loads are:

The instantaneous power is:

Power Calculations
Therefore, the instantaneous power in each phase is:

Simplifying the above equations using

Power Calculations
The total power consumed by the load becomes:

The oscillating components cancel each other resulting in a

constant total power delivered to the load. This power is
termed as the real power.

Observe: The total power is independent of time

(constant) which constitute a major advantage of three-
phase systems relative to single-phase systems.
Power Calculations
Three-phase power quantities:

Term Equation Unit

Total real Power 𝑃3𝜙 = 3𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 cos(𝜃) W
Total reactive Power 𝑄3𝜙 = 3𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 sin(𝜃) Var
Total apparent Power 𝑆3𝜙 = 3𝑉𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝐼𝑟𝑚𝑠 VA

where 𝜃 is the angle between the phase voltage (𝜃𝑣 ) and the
phase current (𝜃𝑖 ).

𝜽 = 𝜽𝒗 − 𝜽𝒊

The relationship between the power quantities can

be depicted on the complex plan as shown in the
figure.
Power Calculations – An Example
Power Calculations – An Example

Solution
(i)
Power Calculations – An Example

(ii)

(iii)

Solution
(iv)
(i)

(v)
Power Calculations – Y Connected Loads
Recall that for balanced Y-connected loads, the following 𝐼𝐿
relations for the voltage and current magnitudes apply:
+ +
𝑉𝐿 = 3𝑉𝜃 𝐼𝜃 𝑍𝑎 𝑉𝜃
𝑉𝐿 −
𝐼𝐿 = 𝐼𝜃
−
Therefore, the total power can be computed as follows:

𝑃3𝜙 = 3𝑉𝜃 𝐼𝜙 cos(𝜃) 𝑃3𝜙 = 3𝑉𝐿 𝐼𝐿 cos(𝜃)

Similarly:

𝑄3𝜙 = 3𝑉𝜃 𝐼𝜙 sin(𝜃) 𝑄3𝜙 = 3𝑉𝐿 𝐼𝐿 sin(𝜃)

𝑆3𝜙 = 3𝑉𝜃 𝐼𝜙 𝑆3𝜙 = 3𝑉𝐿 𝐼𝐿

Power Calculations – Δ Connected Loads
Also, for balanced Δ-connected loads, the following 𝐼𝐿
relations for the magnitudes apply:
𝑉𝐿 = 𝑉𝜃 +

𝑉𝐿
𝐼𝐿 = 3𝐼𝜃 𝐼𝜃
−
Therefore, the total power can be computed as follows:
𝑍𝑏
𝑃3𝜙 = 3𝑉𝜃 𝐼𝜙 cos(𝜃) 𝑃3𝜙 = 3𝑉𝐿 𝐼𝐿 cos(𝜃)

Similarly:

𝑄3𝜙 = 3𝑉𝜃 𝐼𝜙 sin(𝜃) 𝑄3𝜙 = 3𝑉𝐿 𝐼𝐿 sin(𝜃)

𝑆3𝜙 = 3𝑉𝜃 𝐼𝜙 𝑆3𝜙 = 3𝑉𝐿 𝐼𝐿

Power Calculations – An Example

𝐼𝑙

+ +
𝐼𝑝 𝑍𝑎 𝑉𝑎𝑛
𝑉𝑎𝑏 −
n
−
Power Calculations – An Example

𝐼𝑙

+ +
𝐼𝑝 𝑍𝑎 𝑉𝑎𝑛
Solution 𝑉𝑎𝑏 −
n
−
Power Calculations – An Example

𝐼𝑙

+ +
𝐼𝑝 𝑍𝑎 𝑉𝑎𝑛
Solution 𝑉𝑎𝑏 −
n
−

𝑉𝑙 = 173.2𝑉
𝐼𝑙 = 14.14A
𝜃 = 45°
Apparent and Complex Power
Apparent Power (VA) Complex Power (VA)

ST = S1 + S 2 + S3 ST = S1 + S 2 + S3
ST = 3  S ph ST = 3  S ph

ST = 3V ph I *ph
ST = 3V ph I ph
or
or
ST = PT + jQT
ST = 3VLL I L
The Power Factor
The power factor is the ratio of the real power to the apparent power.

𝑃
𝑝𝑓 =
𝑆

Real power performs “real” work (transferring energy).

However, power system components are typically rated by the apparent power.

The power factor measures the “consumption efficiency” of the load.

Another formula for the power factor is: 𝑝𝑓 = cos(𝜃)

Recall: 𝜃 = 𝜃𝑣 − 𝜃𝑖 .
Angles of phase values not line values.
The Power Factor
Load types have different effects on the AC voltage and current signals, and hence, the classification of
the power factor.

Load type (pure) Angle Power Factor Reactive Power

Resistive 𝜃𝑣 − 𝜃𝑖 = 0 Unity 𝑄=0
Inductive 𝜃𝑣 − 𝜃𝑖 = 90° Lagging “current” 𝑄 > 0 (absorbs 𝑄)
Capacitive 𝜃𝑣 − 𝜃𝑖 = −90° Leading “current” 𝑄 < 0 (supplies 𝑄)

Loads, in general, may not be pure and contain a mix of resistive, inductive, and capacitive loads.
Power Calculations – An Example
 Power Calculations – An Example

Solution
900
𝑃3𝜙 = 3𝑉𝐿 𝐼𝐿 𝑐𝑜𝑠(𝜃𝑣 − 𝜃𝑖 ) ⇒ 𝐼𝐿 = = 3.12 𝐴
3(208)(0.8)

𝑉𝜃 𝑉𝐿 / 3
𝑍𝑌 = = = 38.49 Ω
𝐼𝜃 𝐼𝐿
Sine the power factor is leading, 𝜃 < 0.

𝜃 = − cos −1 0.8 = −36.87°

𝑍෨𝑌 = 38.49∠ − 36.87° Ω

Power Calculations – An Example
Power Calculations – An Example
Power Calculations – An Example
Power Calculations – An Example
Power Calculations – An Example

IL / 3
Power Calculations – An Example
Compute the following for the shown systems:

(a) the magnitude of the line current, (b) the magnitude of the load’s line and phase voltages, (c)
the real, reactive, and apparent power consumed by the load, (d) the load power factor, (e) the real,
reactive, and apparent powers consumed by the TL, (f) the powers supplied by the generator, and
(g) the generator power factor.
Power Calculations – An Example
Compute the following for the shown systems:

(a) the magnitude of the line current, (b) the magnitude of the load’s line and phase voltages, (c)
the real, reactive, and apparent power consumed by the load, (d) the load power factor, (e) the real,
reactive, and apparent powers consumed by the TL, (f) the powers supplied by the generator, and
(g) the generator power factor.
Power Calculations – An Example
A 208-V 3-phase power system is shown below. Calculate:

(a) the magnitude of the line current, (b) the magnitude of the load’s line and phase voltages, (c)
the real, reactive, and apparent power consumed by the load, (d) the load power factor, (e) the real,
reactive, and apparent powers consumed by the TL, (f) the powers supplied by the generator, and
(g) the generator power factor.
Power Calculations – An Example
A 208-V 3-phase power system is shown below. Calculate:

(a) the magnitude of the line current, (b) the magnitude of the load’s line and phase voltages, (c)
the real, reactive, and apparent power consumed by the load, (d) the load power factor, (e) the real,
reactive, and apparent powers consumed by the TL, (f) the powers supplied by the generator, and
(g) the generator power factor.
One-Line Diagrams
 One-Line Diagrams – An Example
The figure below shows a one-line diagram of a small 480-V industrial distribution system. The power
system supplies a constant line voltage of 480V, and the impedance of the distribution lines is
negligible. Find:
(a) The power factor of the combined load.
(b) The total line current supplied to the distribution system.
 Three-Phase Power Measurement
Suppose we want to measure the total power delivered to a three-phase load.

One way is to connect three Wattmeters (one for each phase). The total power would be the
summation of the three Wattmeter readings.

In turns out that we can compute the total power using only two Wattmeters.

Note: The two wattmeters must be

connected in such a way that their current
coils are connected in series with two phases
and their voltage coils must be connected
between their respective lines and the
remaining third line.

Credit: P.C. SEN. Figure B.10(a) from the course book.

 Three-Phase Power Measurement
Wattmeters Connection Phasor Diagram

Credit: P.C. SEN. Figure B.10(a) from the course book. Credit: P.C. SEN. Figure B.10(a) from the course book.

Wattmeters Readings 𝑊1 = 𝑉𝑎𝑐 𝐼𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑠∠𝑉𝑎𝑐 , 𝐼𝑎 𝑊2 = 𝑉𝑏𝑐 𝐼𝑏 𝑐𝑜𝑠∠𝑉𝑏𝑐 , 𝐼𝑏

𝑊1 + 𝑊2 = 𝑉𝑙 𝐼𝑙 cos 𝜃 − 30° + 𝑉𝑙 𝐼𝑙 cos 𝜃 + 30° By substituting phase angles

𝑊1 + 𝑊2 = 3 𝑉𝑙 𝐼𝑙 cos 𝜃 = 𝑃3𝜃 By sum of cosines

trigonometric identity
Three-Phase Power Measurement – An Example
Compute the readings of the two wattmeters shown in the diagram given that:

𝑉෨𝑎𝑏 = 200∠0° V200

𝑍෨ = 8 + 𝑗6 Ω

Does the summation of the two readings equal

the total active power absorbed by the three-
phase load?

Credit: P.C. SEN. Figure EB.2(a) from the course book.